The international conference themed "Adult Education Amidst Crises," organized by the European Society for Research on the Education of Adults (ESREA), the Faculty of Education at Yeditepe University, the Adult Education Association, the EDU7 journal of Yeditepe University's Faculty of Education, and the Journal of Adult Education, commenced yesterday at Yeditepe University. The conference, running until September 9, will feature approximately 60 participants from various countries. Dr. Onur Seçkin, a faculty member, addressed the conference, stating, "We are in 2023, and there are still millions of illiterate people. There are wars, migrations, and climate change. Looking at this scenario, adult education emerges as a crucial step in empowering societies under these conditions. This is why we have gathered under such a theme."
The conference opening at Yeditepe University's Rectorate Building saw attendance from numerous participants, including from countries like Germany, Spain, Greece, Poland, Serbia, Sweden, the USA, and Türkiye. Speakers at the opening included Ahmet Aydın, the Vice Rector of Yeditepe University; Prof. Dr. Yelkin Diker Coşkun, Dean of Yeditepe University's Faculty of Education; Dr. Onur Seçkin, a faculty member; and Dr. Rob Evans, the coordinator of the ESREA network on Adult Learning and Communities between the Global and the Local, among many participants.
Vice-Rector Ahmet Aydın expressed pleasure at hosting the conference at Yeditepe University, highlighting the necessity of adult education amidst crises for addressing some global and local challenges.
"We Realize the 13th Edition of the Journey That Began in Portugal Here"
Dr. Onur Seçkin shared information about the ESREA community, noting, "ESREA, a community bringing together European adult educators, comprises hundreds of members from different countries. Within ESREA, there are sub-groups focusing on a wide range of activities from active citizenship and education for older adults to workplace learning and research on adult education policies. This conference in Türkiye is a part of the Global and Local Adult Learning and Communities network's conference series. We are realizing the 13th edition of the journey that began in Portugal in 2006 here, and hosting this conference at Yeditepe University is of special significance to us. What started as a dream has now become a reality, and we are pleased about it."
"We Will Engage in Intensive Discussions Over Three Days With Approximately 60 Participants"
Highlighting the conference's significance to the international adult education field, Seçkin noted that many participants from countries like Germany, Spain, Greece, Poland, Serbia, Sweden, the USA, and Türkiye are involved. Starting on Thursday, the three-day conference will contribute to Türkiye's accumulation of knowledge in adult education and lifelong learning. It will bring together numerous scientists, academics, and researchers. "With nearly 60 participants from about ten different countries, we will engage in intensive discussions over three days," Seçkin added.
"We Are in 2023, and There Are Still Millions of Illiterate People"
Underlining the global efforts to tackle crises like pandemics, climate change, earthquakes, floods, and fires, Seçkin emphasized the conference's main theme on the importance of adult education amidst these crises. "We chose 'Adult Education Amidst Crises' as the conference's main theme. We live amidst crises. In such times, we need more education to effectively respond to crises and strengthen the well-being of individuals and societies. Formal education alone is not sufficient. There are millions around the world in need of self-improvement, vocational training, social, cultural, and societal development. We are in 2023, and there are still millions of illiterate people. Looking at this scenario, adult education is crucial as a step to empower societies under these conditions. This is why we have gathered under such a theme."
Seçkin also spoke about the conference's content, "We have a very rich conference. Within the program, which continues for three days in the conference halls of Yeditepe University's Rectorate Building, a significant marathon begins following the opening speeches. Research data will be presented and discussed separately in our three conference halls. A total of 40 scientific research pieces gathered from different parts of the world will be discussed with all participants over three days."
"ESREA Covers 13 Different Research Networks"
Dr. Rob Evans, the coordinator of the ESREA network on Adult Learning and Communities between the Global and the Local, stated, "ESREA, a research community covering 13 different research networks, aims to facilitate collaboration among academics and researchers across a wide geographical scope in Europe, to enhance and disseminate research across all areas of adult and continuing education, to support the professional development of researchers continuously, and to establish relations with other organizations."
"There Have Been Many Different Crises at Both Global and Local Levels Worldwide"
Dr. Evans concluded, "There have been and continue to be many different crises at both global and local levels worldwide. For example, we have experienced the reality and crisis of earthquakes in Türkiye. As education scientists, we must understand the effects and outcomes of such crises and research how to cope with them in the future. I believe that holding the conference at Yeditepe University is very valuable and important for encouraging new and young researchers and motivating university students who are about to enter the profession."
